Dialysis Equipment and Supplies Key Terms

Find out how dialysis equipment and supplies terminology can assist your business knowledge

Being aware of dialysis equipment and supplies terms and definitions can help many people. From patients, to manufacturers, to sales people and medical professionals, familiarizing yourself with dialysis equipment and supplies terminology and the industry lexicon will help you understand better at all levels of conversation.

Dialysis equipment and supplies terms include procedures, equipment types and more. Having this basic knowledge under your belt will also help you to better communicate with your doctor, your patient, your customer or your business associates. Its understanding also helps you internally make decisions about your care, that of your patient, or for your business.

 

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a common treatment for advanced and permanent kidney failure. Hemodialysis runs the patient's blood through a special filter that removes waste and excess fluid and then returns the blood to the body.
Try: Learn more about hemodialysis as a treatment method for kidney failure from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. MedicineNet also offers helpful information on hemodialysis, including the equipment and procedures necessary for the process.

Carbon filter

Carbon filters are used in dialysis to absorbs the chemicals added by the water department as well as to trap sediment.
Try: Find out about the importance of carbon filtered water for dialysis patients from DaVita.

Dialyzer

Dialyzers are manufactured artificial kidneys. It is used to filter fluid and waste from the blood of the dialysis patient.
Try: Discover more about hemodialysis dialyzers from Baxter. Kidney Options also offers helpful information on kidney dialyzers as well.

Shunts

Shunts are tubing used to connect arteries and veins. Natural shunts are made by connecting the arteries and veins directly, while graft shunts use small plastic tubing to accomplish the same thing.
Try: Find out more about shunts from Grundy County Memorial Hospital. Look at the discussion on flow measurements in dialysis shunts from the Nephrology Dialysis Transplant Journal.

Fistula cannulation

Fistula cannulation involves the insertion of the needle into the patient's arm to facilitate dialysis.
Try: Take advantage of the teaching tools on fistula cannulation from Arteriovenous Fistula First.

Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is a dialysis treatment that can be done at home that involves using the peritoneal membrane to filter and clear wastes and extra fluid from the body and in turn return electrolyte levels to normal.
Try: Learn more about peritoneal dialysis from WebMD.

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